Light or white oak cabinets are timeless and neutral in design, yet a great alternative for plain white cabinets when you want that little extra without going too bold. Natural or white oak gives a kitchen a subtle warm look that has a sophisticated appearance that can be varied by combining it with different materials for the counter, walls, and backsplash. Since oak is one of the most durable woods, you don’t have to worry about your kitchen being timeless in both quality and design.
Depending on the grain patterns visible in the white oak cabinetry, the oak wood can be modest or more intricate in design. Below you can find my selection of the most inspiring kitchens with white oak cabinets.
White oak kitchen cabinets for a light look with black accents
The white oak kitchen cabinets add a minimal and Nordic vibe to this kitchen design that is centered around the long kitchen island in the middle of the space. The beige limestone countertops and backsplash complement the white-pigmented solid oak cabinets perfectly, while the black accessories and pendant lamps add a lovely touch of contrast.
The white oak comes back in the bar stools underneath the kitchen island as well, which makes them blend in with the kitchen design.
via Himlekök
Natural oak kitchen cabinets against a greige wall
The natural oak cabinets in combination with the greige wall color and the beige limestone countertops in this kitchen generate a very warm palette that looks so cozy and inviting.
The black pendant lights and the black open shelving on the wall add a lovely point of contrast and the hood has been wrapped in a cabinet that has the same color as the wall.
Eye-catching marble tiles and natural oak cabinets
The cool grey and green tones in the marble backsplash and the industrial look of the stainless steel countertops in this kitchen are balanced out perfectly by the use of natural oak cabinets that add such a warm effect to the otherwise cool materials used in this kitchen.
via Alvhem
A modern kitchen with tick marble countertops and white oak cabinets
Even though the tick marble countertops on the kitchen island are the main focal point in this contemporary kitchen design, it’s the white oak flooring combined with the natural oak on the kitchen cabinets that add all the warmth to the space.
The white oak dining chairs complement the look perfectly and the brass details in the lamp add an elegant touch. The oak is complemented with white cabinets for extra storage that doesn’t take up a prominent space visually.
via Nordiska Kök
Combine your Kitchen Cabinets with Different Wood Tones for More Depth
While the light oak cabinets are the perfect wood choice for this beautiful kitchen, the power of this look lies in pairing the cabinets with a variety of different wood tones. The marble on the countertop and the white and grey tones add a cooler tone to the setting.
via Historiska Hem
Flat panel cabinets with an integrated handle and brown marble countertops
The visible grain on these beautiful cabinets goes vertically, while the grains in the intricate marble pattern is going diagonally for a playful and sophisticated effect in this kitchen design.
via Stadshem
Flat panel cabinets in natural oak wood
The white oak cabinets in this kitchen design have integrated metal ridges on the handles, which function as protectors and design elements at the same time. This elegant detail elevates the design of this simple white oak kitchen and I love that the white oak comes back in the form of a wall shelf as well.
Profile kitchen by Reform
Subtle shaker cabinets in light oak combined with limestone on the countertops
The slight ridge on the side of these white oak cabinets gives the kitchen a shaker look that is still minimal and modern. The limestone countertops add a cooler touch to the warm tones in the white oak and the chrome faucets and hardware finish the look off nicely.
via Stadshem
Light wood cabinets combined with an impressive green-grey marble backsplash
The oak used in the cabinets and the kitchen island complements the beautiful grey-green marble countertops and impressive backsplash above the sink so perfectly. The integrated handles in the cabinets give the design a minimal expression, which has been decorated with black accent pieces to complement the glass partition between the kitchen and the bedroom.
via Alvhem
Custom cabinetry in light oak in an architect’s home
The oak wood used in the custom cabinetry for this kitchen is used on the open shelving as well, giving the kitchen a very warm and rich expression. The marble kitchen island and the concrete flooring complement the white oak perfectly while the chrome hardware adds a contemporary touch.
The kitchen island includes an undermount sink and has marble on all sides, making the contrast between the different materials even more apparent.
via Nordiska Kök
Minimal white oak cabinets with an integrated handle in an attic studio home
The white oak cabinets in this loft kitchen are combined with grey marble countertops and a beautiful black faucet above a small undermount sink to finish things off. The rift-sawn wood grain makes the design even more subtle. When you rift cut white oak, the grains are still visible, yet very subtle for a soft and smooth effect.
Photographed by Mike Karlsson Lundgren for Nordiska Kök
White oak kitchen cabinets centered around a Viola marble backsplash
The eye-catcher in this beautiful kitchen is definitely the big slap of Viola marble on the backsplash and countertops. The oak cabinets however balance out the intricate details in the marble so nicely, giving the kitchen design a warm and soft look.
Designed by Norm Architects for the office group
White oak cabinets with black hardware and a tile backsplash
The subtle grain in the white oak cabinet fronts and countertops in this kitchen are contrasted by black hardware, a black faucet, and a black String shelf on the wall. The black pendant light makes an elegant appearance above the counter, while the tile backsplash gives the kitchen design an industrial touch.
via Stadshem
White oak cabinets combined with black elements for a rich and contrasting look
The white oak combined with the black modules in this beautiful kitchen is something I have never seen before. Both the countertops and backsplash as well as the upper part of the lower cabinets fronts are made out of black stained wood, which adds a beautiful contrast to the design.
The upper cabinets have a separate module for glasses that can be lowered from the backside, which is a perfect way to utilize the back of the cabinets where everything gets lost.
Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for Alvhem
White oak kitchen cabinets underneath a sloped roof
The white oak cabinetry is custom-fitted perfectly underneath the sloped roof in this attic apartment. The white oak complements the hardwood flooring perfectly and stands out against the white walls and ceilings.
The limestone countertops and chrome faucet give this small kitchen a contemporary look.
Styled by Nouvel Interior, photographed by Alen Cordic for Bjurfors
A minimal design in white oak on all surfaces
The straight grain pattern on these minimal white oak cabinets is used on the sides and as a countertop as well, for a toned-down yet elegant effect that warms up the white walls.
Styling by Sundling & Kickén, photographed by Fanny Hanssons for Nordiska Kök
Natural oak cabinets combined with white upper modules
Two-tone kitchens tend to add interest to the interior design of a space. The white cabinets on the upper part of the layout of this kitchen add a certain lightness to the look, while the white countertops and the glossy white backsplash contrast with the natural grain patterns in the oak cabinets.
Styling and design by Vibeke Husebye, photography by Elisabeth Heier
Rift-cut white oak cabinets in a Nordic industrial setting
The natural oak cabinets in combination with the cement tiles on the backsplash and on the floor have a very contemporary effect on the interior design of the space. The white walls extend over the kitchen to hide the hood, which is such an elegant solution.
Surface design for Reform Norm Architects
Enhance White Oak Cabinet Doors with Oak hardware for a Tone-on-Tone Look
The natural oak kitchen in the example below has no upper cabinets for a light and airy look, making the kitchen cabinets and grey marble countertops stand out.
The grain on the white oak kitchen cabinets adds a beautiful texture to the setting which is broken up visually by the addition of the white oak hardware.
via Superfront
Add Contrast with White Countertops and Black Hardware
White-stained oak cabinets decorate this kitchen with a one-wall layout. The flat panel cabinets are paired with a white countertop and contrasting black hardware that comes back in the wall lighting and the stove hood on the wall.
The oak hardwood flooring with a herringbone pattern completes the look, while the warm grey wall color on the kitchen walls adds a soft appearance to the space.
via Picky Living
Add a Touch of Glam to Your Natural Wood Tones with a Brass Backsplash
If you want to add a more glamorous touch to your white oak kitchen cabinets, you can work with brass hardware. In the example below, the cabinet maker completed the look with a beautiful brass backsplash, adding a luxurious effect to the space with grey stone flooring.
via Nicolaj Bo
White Oak adds a Natural Touch to an Industrial Space
The oak kitchen cabinets add a warm glow to this otherwise black-and-white industrial space with white walls, black windows, and a grey concrete floor. The oak kitchen is finished off with brass hardware and brass ceiling lamps to contribute to an even warmer look.
via Kolon
Add Texture to make your White-Stained Oak Cabinets Unique
The white oak cabinet doors bring the interior design of this modern kitchen to another level. The door styles contrast wonderfully with the grey marble countertops and the copper dishwasher front. Above the counter, the grey and copper tones come back in the beautiful art print on the wall.
I love the way the modern white oak cabinets pair with the red oak herringbone flooring for a unique play between materials that results in a versatile appearance. The straight lines of the paneling on the kitchen cabinets contrasts with the natural veining on the marble and with yet another pattern on the hardwood floor.
via Superfront
Add a Minimal Aesthetic to your White Oak Kitchen Cabinets for a Modern Look
The minimal white oak cabinet doors in this modern kitchen have an integrated handle for a minimal look and feel. The natural wood grain of the cabinets pairs beautifully with the black faucet and the lighting above the kitchen island.
The dining table and chairs are made out of wood tone that is a few tones lighter, which pairs well with the white pendant lights hanging above it. The countertop and backsplash are made of a grey stone material that balances out the natural wood tone on the kitchen cabinets and pairs well with the flooring.
via Reform CPH
Pair Light Oak Cabinets with other Wood Tones for a Natural Effect
The light oak cabinet fronts in this beautiful kitchen are paired with a white oak hardwood floor and darker wood tones in the dining table and chairs for a beautiful mixture of natural wood tones. The ceiling is painted white so the attention goes to the other wood tones in the gorgeous space.
via Nordiska Kök
